SOUTH Essex College students were revved up during a trip to Ford’s Dagenham plant.
The five students, who are studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business, Logistics and Supply Chain, spent the morning at the car giant’s famous site to learn about the logistics involved in running an efficient plant.
The production line was in full swing and the students saw how individual parts were put together to make a complete engine at the site which builds 1,800 engines per day – the equivalent to one engine every 48 seconds.
Plant Manager Martin Everitt was on hand to answer students’ questions about the industry and explain how logistics plays a vital part in the success of any business. One student, Kasia Polakiewicz, 19, from Grays said the visit was really insightful.
She said: “It was a great way to see first hand all of the things we have learnt in the classroom over the past year. It makes you appreciate the importance of everything we are being taught because it’s being used in the real world. It was a great trip.”
Another student, 19-year-old Karl Foley from Tilbury, also said the trip was beneficial.
He said: “Logistics is such a varied subject so it was great to see all of the theory put into practice. People don’t realise just how much goes on behind the scenes at places like this so it was great to see first hand.”
The plant is Ford’s only Diesel engine plant in Europe and the finished units are shipped all over the world.
Supply Chain & Logistics Development Manager, Mark Bentley, said it was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn outside the classroom.
He said: “Businesses like Ford really make the learning experience valuable. It is in this environment that students really make sense of the theory they learn in class. Links with industry really make the learning experience at South Essex College of great value to our students, so we are grateful to all involved at Ford for spending time with the students.”
